Ex-GNP leader loses No. 1 spot in poll on potential presidential candidates


Ahn Cheol-soo topped a poll of potential presidential candidates just hours after announcing he would not run for Seoul mayor on Tuesday, causing new unease within the Grand National Party.

In a snap poll by local news agency Newsis on Tuesday, Ahn enjoyed the support of 42.4 percent of respondents, beating long-time favorite and former GNP leader Park Geun-hye by 1.9 percent.

In another poll by local broadcaster CBS, Ahn was the pick of 43.2 percent of respondents, taking a 1.6 percent lead over Park.

This was the first time in years that Park trailed anyone in a hypothetical matchup.

“We should pay attention to public opinion as reflected in the recent series of events and move on,” Park told reporters before attending the parliamentary general meeting on Wednesday.

Her close allies claimed that the numbers were temporary, only reflecting the public’s excitement shortly after the dramatic press interview in which Ahn turned down a chance to run for Seoul mayor.

“Rep. Park is not easily swayed by public poll results,” said Rep. Lee Jung-hyun.

“Also, these figures have been exaggerated, due to the heated attention to the imminent Seoul mayoral race.”

Some pro-Park lawmakers even protested that the media was touting Ahn as a presidential candidate prematurely. They were nevertheless tense over the poll result.

“The public is sending us a message, telling us that they are dissatisfied with the current politics,” said Rep. Lee Hahn-koo

“Rep. Park, despite her longtime lead, should continue to make efforts to communicate with the people.”

Other members of the GNP defined the present situation as alarming for the former chairwoman.

“Park is no longer the sole runner in the field,” said Rep. Won Hee-ryeong in a radio show on Wednesday morning.

“People will not let Ahn step out of the political race.”

Ahn, however, has firmly denied any interest in next year’s presidential election.

“It is out of the question,” he said, in response to reporters’ questions.

He also said that his lead in the public polls was likely temporary and pledged to focus on his teaching career at Seoul National University’s Graduate School.

By Bae Hyun-jung (tellme@heraldcorp.com)